EMS -- epic fail

[bmsweb]

Segways and Model Aircraft in the same warehouse don't mix

[ergocentric]

Segways and Model Aircraft in the same warehouse don't mix

"double boxed", or in Bruce's case thrice run-over

[Sid Sideslip]

My AXN showed up today and not a dent on the box.

I have a couple of questions though. As you can see in the bottom photo, my lipos come with female bullet connectors; I noticed (just) that Bruce was using dean connectors on his axn set-up.

So, what should I do, buy some dean connectors and shrink tube to go on the esc and battery leads and bullet connectors for the esc and motor leads? Is that how it's done? The esc unit and motor have no connectors at all yet, just tinned leads.

Also I'm a bit in six minds on how to connect the wings, I'm thinking of gluing the wings together. Will the supplied glue be OK or should I maybe use epoxy? I'm not sure about the wing spar channel though, should I glue the foam cover down as well? Or will tape be strong enough? Also I read that Bruce glued his carbon fibre rod in place..what with? CA, the supplied glue, or epoxy?

Also the bottom of the wing is covered in little dimpled circles from the manufacturing process. Does anyone worry about that and sand them smooth or just leave them as is?

[RCModelReviews]

I didn't use bullets on the ESC to motor connection -- I just soldered the wires together -- but don't shrink the heatshrink until you've tested it or Mr Murphy will make sure that the motor goes the wrong way and you have to re-solder two of the wires

I used the supplied glue on my model -- it works very well but be careful because if you let it get too tacky before pushing bits together it acts like contact adhesive and you might not get things slid in properly.

I glued the composite tube to the bottom of the wing but just taped the tapered foam cover-strip in place with some clear tape.

Using the HK 10g analog servos, I didn't need the tiny extensions that come with the plane -- just the Y-lead.

Don't worry about the molding dimples -- that won't matter at all.

Key thing to watch is that you make sure you've put the pushrod for the elevator and rudder onto the horn *before* you affix it to the elevator/rudder or you won't be able to get it on.

I think I used the middle holes on these two horns -- you need plenty of throw with the AXN if you're going to have fun

My wing is glued in -- these are small models and so pretty easy to transport anyway.

Put some tape on the bottom of the fuselage so that it doesn't get worn down when doing touch-and-go's on the concrete or tarmac.

Use a rubber band to help retain the canopy -- or it will fall off.

I'm using Deans connectors but you could use the XT60 connectors -- there's not much to choose between them really and most of HK's lipos now come with the XT60 so it's probably the better choice so that you can then use your batteries without having to change the plug on them.

[Sid Sideslip]

Thanks Bruce. As always, you are a trove of info. I'll solder the motor to the esc and stick with the XT60 battery connectors then, as buying dean connectors for every lipo I have already would cost as much as the plane (well, from the local hobby shop they would).

Also, I bought some longer servos extensions rather than use the supplied Y connector, so as I can fart around with flaperons, spoilerons and annoyRons (whoops, sorry, that's your club).

Ta mate.

[rogueqd]

I glued the spar covers on to the wings, but made sure I left the gap for the servo leads unglued in case they ever need replacing. I also made sure the spar slid in and out smoothly before I let the glue dry. I've noticed the glue works better if you lightly sand the surfaces, I used 400 grit.

[Sid Sideslip]

I glued the spar covers on to the wings, but made sure I left the gap for the servo leads unglued in case they ever need replacing. I also made sure the spar slid in and out smoothly before I let the glue dry. I've noticed the glue works better if you lightly sand the surfaces, I used 400 grit.

I was pondering the same thing regarding gluing the covers and freeing the servo leads. Thanks for that and the tip regarding sanding before gluing.

Love this forum.

[ergocentric]

I didn't use bullets on the ESC to motor connection -- I just soldered the wires together -- but don't shrink the heatshrink until you've tested it

BUT TAPE IT UP, it could cost you the price of a battery and/or speed control

[ergocentric]

Those are not bullet connectors per se, the are XT60 connectors, I ordered some just *after* my new batteries arrived, sigh. I removed them and soldered on JST for that particular aircraft (Storm Launcher)

Bullet connectors refer to those loose, single pin connectors, good in threes for motor connections so that you can easily *replace/reverse the motor or speed control.
*often not necessary

[Sid Sideslip]

Those are not bullet connectors per se, the are XT60 connectors, I ordered some just *after* my new batteries arrived, sigh. I removed them and soldered on JST for that particular aircraft (Storm Launcher)

Yeah, so I've learned. I just ordered three more lipos from HobbyKing in Oz and have no XT60 connectors either. HobbyKing Oz don't stock them, so I hit the local hobby and electronic shops. All they had were deans connectors...at nearly the same price per pair as I paid for a lipo battery! Rip off merchants.

I tracked down some XT60s in Oz at an online hobby store...cost me $10 for a pack of 5 male and females (they are HobbyKing ones but twice the price... but the postage is cheap and the wait short).

Such is life...